looking for work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for work" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate that someone is actively seeking employment. Example: John has been out of a job for several months, so he is currently looking for work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Brown is looking for work.

The New York Times - Sports

"I keep looking for work.

The New York Times

So Mr. Vargas began looking for work.

The New York Times

Some might be looking for work.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, she is looking for work.

The New York Times

They are out there looking for work.

The Guardian - Business

Shelly gave up looking for work.

The New Yorker

Now I'm looking for work again.

Independent

Ms. Whitlow is again looking for work.

The New York Times

"I'm always looking for work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Already, groups are looking for work-arounds.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "looking for work" when speaking casually or in less formal contexts, such as during conversations with friends or family.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for work" repeatedly in formal documents like cover letters and resumes. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "seeking employment" or "pursuing career opportunities" to demonstrate a sophisticated vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for work" functions as a gerund phrase, where "looking" acts as a noun, describing the activity of seeking employment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It commonly appears in sentences to indicate a person's current job-seeking status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for work" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe the act of seeking employment. Ludwig AI validates this and the examples show its frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for general use, consider using more formal alternatives like "seeking employment" in professional settings. Be mindful of overuse in formal documents and leverage synonyms to enhance your writing. Overall, "looking for work" is a clear and effective way to communicate your job-seeking status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for a job

A straightforward synonym, emphasizing the act of searching.

seeking employment

A more formal and professional way to express the same idea.

on the lookout for work

Suggests vigilance and readiness to seize suitable opportunities.

trying to find a job

More direct and simple term.

job hunting

A more concise and informal term for searching for a job.

exploring job openings

Emphasizes the investigation of available positions.

in the job market

Focuses on being present and active within the employment landscape.

seeking opportunities

Highlights the desire for potential career advancements.

pursuing career options

Suggests a more proactive and strategic approach to finding work.

canvassing for positions

A more active way to look for new roles.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "looking for work"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking employment", "job hunting", or "searching for a job" depending on the context.

Is "looking for work" grammatically correct?

Yes, "looking for work" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe the act of seeking employment.

How to use "looking for work" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for work" in a sentence like, "After being laid off, John is actively looking for work" or "Many graduates are looking for work in the tech industry".

What is the difference between "looking for work" and "seeking employment"?

"Looking for work" is generally considered more informal, while "seeking employment" is a more formal and professional way to express the same idea.